Experience
the
Blom-Singer ®
Difference
Heat and Moisture Exchange
Blom-Singer™
HME SYSTEM
Breathe Healthy. Speak Confidently.
Introducing The Blom-Singer™ HME System
The Blom-Singer HME System consists of our new
HME cartridge and our TruSeal® adhesive housing.*
The new HME cartridge contains:
• Our HumidiFilter® foam filter for heat and moisture exchange
with an antimicrobial agent to inhibit bacterial growth on the filter.
• Our innovative EasyTouch™ speech button for more confident speaking.
• An integrated MucusShield™ occluder to protect the HumidiFilter from
mucus secretions and provide an air-tight seal closure (occlusion) for speech.
Putting your HME device together each day is no longer a concern. That’s because the new
Blom-Singer HME cartridge is a daily-disposable device that comes fully assembled. You simply put
on a new one each day.
*TruSeal housing available separately.
“Using an HME has improved my quality of life by helping me create a better voice, because I
don’t have as much mucus buildup in my lungs. Using it has given my voice greater clarity.”
— Steve Martin
2
We’ve given it just the right touch...
the EasyTouch™ speech button.
The new Blom-Singer HME System features
our innovative EasyTouch™ speech button
that makes stoma occlusion simple. Just push
the EasyTouch speech button with minimal,
manual force and it closes to produce voice.
HME side view
The fingertip, tactile response is immediate.
You’ll feel it’s completely closed, so you can
speak with more confidence. Upon manual
release, the EasyTouch speech button
instantly returns to its open, breathing
position. The EasyTouch speech button lets
you manually switch between the open and
closed positions.
The feeling is definite. You’ll know the speech
button is either open or closed.
HME top view
open
A sophisticated, low profile
and translucent material
helps the HME discretely
blend with the Blom-Singer
TruSeal® adhesive housing,
so it is less noticeable.
closed
The EasyTouch™ speech button gives immediate
tactile response. You’ll feel the difference.
INHEALTH.COM
How The Blom-Singer HME System Works
The Blom-Singer HME System may be used by all laryngectomees.
• Esophageal speakers
• Electrolarynx users
• Tracheoesophageal prosthesis users with manual occlusion
Healthier Breathing. Less Mucus and Coughing.
The Blom-Singer HME System helps users improve their quality of
life by serving as a partial replacement for lost nasal functions. It
does so by filtering and exchanging cool, dry air for warm and moist
air. It’s critical to breathe in air that contains the proper heat and
moisture content to protect the trachea and lower airway from drying
and cooling without obstructing the ability to breathe or speak.1
HME System shown with
Blom-Singer Indwelling Voice
Prosthesis.
Daily, consecutive use of the Blom-Singer HME System contributes to
a healthier respiratory tract, restores airflow resistance, and helps to
maintain optimal lung ventilation.1 The result of which can be:
• Less coughing
• Up to a 60% reduction in mucus1
The Blom-Singer HME System is a two-piece unit that consists of an
HME cartridge and a TruSeal adhesive housing. The HME contains
a HumidiFilter foam filter for heat and moisture exchange, and a
speech button for speaking.
The HME System is placed over the tracheostoma for inhaled and
exhaled air to pass through. However, it does not obstruct the user’s
ability to breathe or talk. The diagram opposite provides a cross view
of the Blom-Singer HME, and briefly describes each of its components.
“I pretty much do everything today wearing an HME that I did before my laryngectomy. Sure, there are
adjustments I have to make. But that’s just it. They’re adjustments. You make them, and you go on.”
— Melanie Griggs
4
Additional Features and Benefits
In addition to our innovative EasyTouch™ speech button and MucusShield ™
occluder, the new Blom-Singer HME includes extra features designed to help
users breathe easily and speak with confidence.
EasyTouch Speech Button
HumidiFilter Foam Filter
®
Provides heat and moisture
exchange and inhibits bacterial
growth on the filter for a more
hygienic environment.
Easy, fingertip stoma occlusion for
speaking allows the user touch-feel
confidence that the speech button is
completely closed to produce voice.
Upon manual release, the speech
button instantly returns to its open,
breathing position.
Front and Side Airflow Vents
Maximizes airflow for easy breathing.
Side vents provide additional airflow
and prevent clothing from obstructing
breathing.
om-Singer
Bl
Finger Lip
Lower Airway Ports
Provides easy removal of
the HME cartridge from
the tracheostoma housing
for coughing or cleaning.
Maximize airflow to
the HumidiFilter.
open
closed
Snap-fit Retention Collar
MucusShield Occluder
Forms a snap-fit seal within the
tracheostoma housing to prevent
air leakage.
Provides an air-tight seal closure
(occlusion) for speech while
protecting the HumidiFilter from
direct contact with mucus secretions.
Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) — What You Should Know
At InHealth, we understand the physical and psychological challenges laryngectomees face every day. That’s why for over
19 years we’ve been deeply committed to helping them regain and preserve a vital part of their lives — their voice.
Our customers’ courage and perseverance inspired us to develop our new Blom-Singer HME System, so they can speak
and move more freely through everyday life with comfort and confidence.
INHEALTH.COM
How Do We Know The EasyTouch™ Speech Button
Makes Speaking Easier? We’ve Proven It.
It’s a fact. The EasyTouch™ speech button requires less effort to press into its closed position. The
feedback you receive is immediate. You’ll know the valve is completely closed, so you can speak
freely and confidently.
Other HME devices have a spongy feel as you press the speaking valve. This means you can’t feel
certain it’s sealed, and holding it in place requires more effort.
With the EasyTouch™ speech button, the fingertip response is precise. You can feel the valve is
sealed—and keeping it closed requires minimal effort.
Can We Show You The Proof?
That’s Easy Too.
This graph clearly demonstrates that when compared to the competitive device, the EasyTouch™
speech button requires less effort to occlude the stoma and hold in the speaking position.
“I have severe arthritis in my hands, which has made it impossible to digitally occlude my stoma for TE speech.
I was speaking intermittently with esophageal voice, but was communicating via gestures most of the time.
When the new Blom-Singer HME System was attached, I was immediately able to occlude my stoma with the
EasyTouch™ speech button, and it immediately produced an excellent voice.”
— Robert S.
6
HME Defined / Health Benefits
Prior to having a laryngectomy, the air you breathe is warmed, moistened and filtered by tissues in your
nose and throat before it reaches your trachea and lungs.
An HME is designed to help laryngectomees regain some of these lost respiratory functions. When placed
over your tracheostoma, an HME captures warm and moist air in a filter as it is exhaled from your body. The cool, dry air you breathe in passes through the filter where it is warmed and moistened as it enters
your body.
Use of an HME helps to protect your trachea and lower airway from drying and cooling. To maintain
a healthy respiratory tract, it’s critical to breathe in air that is filtered and contains the proper heat and
moisture content.
An HME should be used daily for as long as possible to receive the following benefits from its use.
Reduced Mucus
Many laryngectomees suffer from involuntary coughing and excessive mucus production due to loss of their
larynx. Studies indicate patients using a Blom-Singer HME have experienced a 60% reduction in mucus when
using the device for at least seven consecutive days. This amount of time is needed to allow the airway sufficient
time to recognize the benefits of the HumidiFilter.1, 2
Humidified and Filtered Breathing
When using an HME, a large percentage of the moisture and heat in every breath is conserved and returned to
the bronchi and lungs. This helps reduce coughing, dryness and mucus secretions. Clinical studies also report
improvements in shortness of breath, fatigue and malaise, sleep problems, anxiety and depression levels.3,4
Increased Airway Resistance
Using an HME aides in resistance to airflow, a role normally played by your nose. It is important for your lungs to
benefit from good airflow resistance to supply the body with oxygen effectively, and eliminate carbon dioxide from
your blood. Daily use of an HME has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on tissue oxygen saturation and
optimal lung ventilation.6,7
Antibacterial Inhibition on the Filter
The HumidiFilter foam filter is treated with an agent to inhibit bacterial growth on the filter for a more hygienic
environment.
Improved Quality of Life
Reduced mucus, less coughing, and improved voice quality can increase your self-confidence, and give you
more freedom in social situations by reducing the discomfort that comes with feeling as though your condition is
drawing unwanted attention.4,5
INHEALTH.COM
Inserting The Blom-Singer HME Cartridge*
1
Daily Use of The Blom-Singer HME System
The disposable Blom-Singer HME is designed for daily, one-time use. Never clean or remove the
HumidiFilter foam filter from its cartridge. To maintain proper function of the HME system, it should
be replaced at least once a day.
TruSeal® Adhesive Housing Attachment
A properly attached HME system provides an airtight seal around your stoma. Before you insert
an HME cartridge, a TruSeal adhesive housing must first be attached to the skin surrounding your
tracheostoma (Figure 1) according to the supplied user instruction manual.
• Insert the HME cartridge into the TruSeal adhesive housing, and gently push the cartridge until
it snaps into place.
• A properly inserted HME cartridge will sit flush and snug inside the TruSeal housing (Figure 2).
2
Breathing
Breathing through the HME cartridge should be comfortable and easy. If it isn’t, remove the HME
system and consult your medical professional for assistance. When you begin using the Blom-Singer
HME system, a slight increase in airflow resistance will be felt.
However, this resistance is a normal function of the device that may require some getting used to.
Using an HME aides in resistance to airflow, a role normally played by your nose. It is important for
your lungs to benefit from good airflow resistance to supply your body with oxygen effectively, and
eliminate carbon dioxide from your blood. The HME cartridge also contains side and top airflow vents
to maximize airflow for easy breathing and prevent clothing from obstructing your breathing.
Voicing
3
If you speak using a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis, voicing with the Blom-Singer HME System
is produced by depressing the speech button. Simply place your finger on top of the EasyTouch™
speech button and press down lightly. Hold the button completely down in this position until you’ve
stopped speaking.
When depressed for speech, the speech button gives users assurance that the device is completely
closed (Figure 3). When you release your finger pressure, the speech button instantly returns to its
open, breathing position (Figure 4). Users of other voicing methods should follow the voicing instructions
provided by their medical professional.
Coughing
It is highly recommended that the HME cartridge be removed from the TruSeal adhesive housing
prior to coughing. To remove the cartridge, hold down the TruSeal housing with one hand while
grasping the finger lip on the cartridge with your other hand.
4
Pull the cartridge carefully until it releases from the housing. Be careful not to separate the TruSeal
adhesive housing from your skin. This will cause air leakage around the stoma.
The HME cartridge contains an integrated MucusShield™ occluder that helps protect the foam filter
from direct contact with secretions. The cartridge may be wiped with a dry cloth if cleaning is necessary.
However, if the cartridge should become heavily soiled, remove it and replace it with a new one.
Never wash an HME cartridge with water, soap or cleaning agents.
Sleeping
Prior to sleeping, remove the HME cartridge and discard it. The Blom-Singer HME System must be
removed before sleeping to avoid the potential for airway obstruction.
*For complete instructions, please refer to the Blom-Singer HME System user instruction manual supplied with the device.
8
Skin Preparation — Accessories
By following the instructions below and using the recommended accessories, placing a TruSeal
or Tracheostoma valve housing onto your neck can be a relatively simple process.
1
Gently clean the skin around your tracheostoma with mild soap and warm water.
2
Rinse and completely dry the skin.
3
Gently wipe the skin with an alcohol pad. Do not inhale the alcohol
fumes. Doing so may cause coughing.
4
Allow skin to completely dry.
5
Apply one to two layers of a protective skin barrier, such as Shield Skin,
Skin-Prep or Cavilon. Carefully apply the skin barrier so it does not
enter your tracheostoma, which can cause irritation. Also, avoid inhaling
fumes as this may lead to coughing.
6
Allow the skin to completely dry. You are now ready to apply the TruSeal
Housing or Tracheostoma valve housing.
How To Get a Good Seal
For a more durable seal, you may want to apply a thin coating of Blom-Singer Silicone
Adhesive or Skin Tac to your skin.
“Maintaining a clean, smooth, open stoma surface is also important for
preventing skin irritation and infection around the stoma.”
—Karen Bunnell, RN, MSN, ANP-BC
Adult Nurse Practitioner, Head and Neck Cancer Surgical Nursing
INHEALTH.COM
Questions & Answers
Does using the Blom-Singer HME System require a prescription?
No. The Blom-Singer HME System does not require a prescription (USA) and comes fully assembled in a 30-day supply.
You can circle the same convenient day on your calendar each month to reorder and you do not have to contact your doctor.
Is the Blom-Singer HME System covered by Medicare?
Yes. The Blom-Singer HME System is reimbursable for Medicare patients (USA), which leaves you more money for other
personal needs. For your convenience and peace of mind, InHealth has a dedicated Medicare Insurance Specialist on staff
who will assist you with this process.
At the time of your purchase, you simply pay InHealth a co-pay fee. Our specialist then submits your Medicare claim for you
and makes sure you receive direct reimbursement for your purchase. In addition, we can answer your questions about
Medicare benefits and supplemental insurance.
You can always be assured our Medicare Specialist recognizes the many challenges you face, and will go out of her way to
treat you with the honor and respect you deserve.
Can I use the Blom-Singer HME System with a Barton-Mayo button?
Yes. The Blom-Singer HME is compatible with inter-stoma style connectors such as the Barton-Mayo™ Tracheostoma
Button. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for use supplied with that product.
How long does it take to notice a reduction in mucus?
Noticing a reduction in mucus takes just a little bit of patience. In studies using the HumidiFilter heat and moisture exchanger,
patients experienced a 60% reduction in mucus when the device was used for at least seven consecutive days. This time
period is needed to allow your airway sufficient time to recognize the benefits of the HumidiFilter.
It’s important to note that no two people are exactly the same, so you may experience a reduction in mucus in slightly less,
or slightly more time.
Is it difficult to breathe with the Blom-Singer HME System?
Breathing through the HME should be comfortable and easy. However, when you begin using the Blom-Singer HME system,
a slight increase in airflow resistance will be felt. Please be aware that this resistance is a normal function of the device that
may require some getting used to.
Using an HME aides in resistance to airflow, a role normally played by your nose. It is important for your lungs to benefit
from good airflow resistance to supply the body with oxygen effectively, and eliminate carbon dioxide from your blood. Daily
use of an HME has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on tissue oxygen saturation and optimal lung ventilation.
Many patients report they easily adapt and get use to breathing through their HME in a week to 10 days, and that the health
benefits of less mucus and less coughing make being patient during this time well worth it.
If after this period of time you find breathing to be difficult or arduous, remove your HME system and consult your medical
professional for assistance.
How soon can I use an HME?
No two people are the same, and everybody’s recovery from a laryngectomy procedure is different. However, the sooner you
can begin using your HME the easier it will be to adapt to breathing through it.
Your medical professional will be able to speak with you about your individual circumstances, and provide you specific
advice about when you can begin using an HME.
10
Ordering Information
USA
Blom-Singer products may be ordered directly from our friendly customer service representatives
by calling (800) 477-5969.
• Monday – Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., E.S.T.
• Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., E.S.T.
Our toll-free number may be used from the continental USA, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
You can also order InHealth products from our website at www.inhealth.com
Canada
In Canada, please contact Auto Control Medical at (800) 461-0991, or Fax (800) 699-5936.
International
For a list of international distributors, please contact:
International Healthcare Technologies
1110 Mark Avenue, Carpinteria, CA 93013-2918 USA
Tel: +01(805) 684-9337, Fax: +01(805) 684-8594.
REF
DESCRIPTION
BE1055
Blom-Singer™ HME System
Heat and Moisture Exchange Cartridge, box of 30
BE6054
Blom-Singer® TruSeal® Adhesive Housing, box of 30
Please see our InHealth Technologies 2008 ENT Product Catalog for a complete offering of accessory products available for
skin care and skin preparation for adhesive housings.
Reimbursed by Medicare. No Prescription Necessary.
The Blom-Singer HME System is eligible for Medicare reimbursement (USA). In addition, it does
not require a prescription and comes fully assembled in a 30-day supply. So you can circle the same
convenient day on your calendar each month to reorder—without having to contact your doctor.
INHEALTH.COM
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1
Blom, E.D., Singer M.I., and Hamaker, R.C., Tracheoesophageal Voice Restoration Following Total Laryngectomy.
San Diego: Singular Publishing Group, Inc.1998.
2
Grolman, W., Blom, E., Branson, R., Schouwenburg, P., Hamaker, R. (1997) An Efficiency Comparison of Four Heat
and Moisture Exchangers Used in the Laryngectomized Patient. The Laryngoscope, 107; June 1997: 814-820.
3 Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJ, et al.(1993) Improvements in respiratory and psychosocial functioning following total
laryngectomy by the use of a heat and moisture exchanger. Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, 1993,
Nov; 102 (11): 878-83.
4 Ackerstaff AH, Hilgers FJ, et al.(1995) Heat and moisture exchangers as a treatment option in the post-operative
rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients. Clinical Otolaryngology, 1995, 20, 504-509.
5 Hilgers FJ, Ackerstaff AH, et al. (1991) The influence of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) on the respiratory
symptoms after total laryngectomy. Clinical Otolaryngology, 1991, 16, 152-156.
6
Blom, Eric D. (1993) Laboratory and clinical investigation of postlaryngectomy airway humidification and filtration.
Proceedings of the 1st EGFL Conference and 5th International Congress on Surgical and Prosthetic Voice
Restoration After Total Laryngectomy, Grado, Italy.
7 McRae, D. Young, P., Hamilton, J., & Jones, A. (1996) Raising airway resistance in laryngectomees increases tissue
oxygen saturation. Clinical Otolaryngology, 21, 366-368.
U.S. PATENT 7,025,784
InHealth Technologies
1110 Mark Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013-2918 USA
(800) 477-5969 Toll Free
(888) 371-1530 Toll Free Fax
International
+01 (805) 684-9337
+01 (805) 684-8594 Fax
Email: [email protected]
www.inhealth.com
080610
© September 2008 InHealth Technologies,
A Division of Helix Medical, LLC